Author: communications

art:links: creativity, connection and companionship for older adults

Posted on February 10, 2026 by - Stories, Blogs

art:links: creativity, connection and companionship for older adults

Two ladies in an art:links writing workshop. art:links if our programme for older adults.

Across the UK, social isolation and loneliness are among the most pressing challenges facing older adults – particularly those living with dementia, age-related conditions or limited mobility. Create developed art:links in response to this need: a creative arts programme that brings vulnerable older people together with professional artists to create, connect and be seen. 

Research shows that loneliness can have a profound impact on older people’s physical and mental health. Age UK estimates that around one million older people in the UK say they are often or always lonely, with many spending days without meaningful social interaction. Creative projects like art:links offer something vital in response: regular connection, shared purpose, and the chance to express identity beyond age or diagnosis. 

A group of older women in an art:links writing workshop. art:links if our programme for older adults.

Creativity as a route to connection 

Margaret (84) joined art:links in Southwark soon after losing her husband. Led by Create writer Tim Cowbury, the participants explored creative writing. Taking part in the workshops gave Margaret the space not only to write, but to reconnect with others:

“Connecting with others is important because loneliness is the scourge of old age. And being creative uses your brain. You’re not just stuck being receptive, like if you sit and watch television all day.” 

For Margaret, writing stories from photographs and imagined perspectives presented new ways of thinking:

“We’ve been doing creative writing, making our own stories from characters, places and events.” 

“I’ve learned more about seeing things from different perspectives. That helps you to look at people in a different way.” 

A man Create artist delivering a writing workshop. He is writing on a big piece of paper. art:links if our programme for older adults.

Accessible creativity for people living with dementia 

At Merton Memory Hub, participants took part in six weeks of visual art workshops led by Create artist Teresa Paive. Sharon, a staff member at the hub, described the impact of seeing participants take part in the creative process: 

They got so immersed in what they were doing. It’s quite powerful that they can see something they’ve done. 

SHARON, STAFF MEMBER AT MERTON MEMORY HUB

“They were genuinely pleased to see what they’d created by the end of each session and then when we showed them again next week [they had] a sort of amazement at what they’re able to achieve.”

Importantly, the project considered the differing abilities within the group: 

“It was accessible for everyone at all levels. Sometimes you can feel quite demoralised when doing art, thinking ‘that’s not perfect’. But what Teresa did was very hands-on and what came out looked very good.” 

Crucially, the sessions created space for shared conversation and presence: 

“It was a chance to work together, collaborate and talk about [the art]. They also had a chance to talk about something in the present, which was really beautiful.” 

Two older adults taking part in a Create art:links ceramics workshop. They are smiling.

building relationships and growing confidence 

In Tower Hamlets, Eileen*, who lives alone and rarely goes out, took part in six weeks of visual arts workshops led by Create artist Emily Stapleton-Jefferis. She told us about her experience on the project: 

“Coming here has been a lifeline for me since the pandemic. I can’t really do big outside trips, so I want to be here. When I wake up, I’ve got somewhere to go, and that makes a difference, You’re not sitting indoors wondering what you’re going to do.”

Through collage, painting and printmaking, Eileen discovered a confidence she hadn’t expected: 

“It felt good because I’ve never really been creative. Maybe it’s [in] here somewhere, waiting to come out! [Creativity] keeps your mind alert and gives you different ideas.“

 It [relieves] stress and makes you feel good.   

eileen, art:links participant

“I like to socialise and pick up ideas from other people. I’m not [usually] good at art, but I’ve surpassed myself here and made things I really like. It’s a nice group and everybody helps each other.”

Older adults taking part in a Create ceramics workshop.

Why art:links matters 

Projects like art:links demonstrate that creativity shouldn’t be a luxury – it is a powerful tool for connection, stimulation and wellbeing. By creating welcoming, inclusive spaces where older adults can make, share and belong, art:links helps reduce isolation and reminds participants that they still have ideas, skills and stories worth sharing. 

Thank you to City Bridge Foundation, The Headley Trust and Worshipful Company of Coopers for funding these projects. 

*Names changed to protect anonymity 

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Supporting migrant and refugee children and young people together through creativity 

Posted on February 10, 2026 by - Stories, Blogs

Supporting migrant and refugee children and young people together through creativity 

community:matters is Create’s multi-artform project empowering marginalised young people in the London Borough of Brent. Launched in 2019, the programme is a partnership with three services that support: young people with learning disabilities (Brent Mencap); young migrants and refugees (Salusbury World); and young carers (Brent Gateway Partnership). Between 2016 and 2024, children made up 38% of people coming to the UK on asylum, resettlement, and family reunion routes. In 2025, 3,861 asylum applications were received from unaccompanied children. 

Migrant and refugee children in the UK often face severe and compounded challenges, including wrongful detainment, unsuitable accommodation, and extreme mental health distress. They face several barriers including accessing education, navigating language, poverty and long waits for asylum decisions.

Our community:matters programme offer a safe space where these children can relax, explore their creativity and just be children. 

We spoke with a staff member from Salusbury World, and two young people, who told us about their time on a Create project.  

the reality for migrant and refugee children 

In April 2025, Create artist Alisa Ruzavina led jewellery making workshops. The children experimented with beads and weaving, making charms for their bags. Dan, a staff member at Salusbury World spoke about the reality of life for the children they work with:  

“All the participants are on free school meals, which is an indicator of relative poverty, so they’re all children who would not necessarily have access to creative workshops without [the Create projects]. It’s so good for the children to be able to access these activities.” 

ESCAPING THROUGH making  

For many people, especially children, creativity can be an escape from daily stresses. In July 2025, Mikayla and Elijah took part in a ceramics workshop led by Create artist Emily Stapleton-Jefferis.  

Elijah shared with us the importance of creative opportunities like these: 

“Normally I just lay down on my bed and watch TV. But here, we learned how to make slabs and do coiling.” 

It was good to be collaborative and work together as a team.

ELIJAH, COMMUNITY:MATTERS PARTICIPANT

Staff member Dan also noted how engaged the children were during their jewellery making workshops: 

“The activity was new to all of them, and they all really focused on it very intently. They produced a lot of stuff in a very short space of time, so I think it activated latent creativity, which is great. They really liked being able to introduce something of their own into the creative process.” 

Brightening your days with Creativity 

Creativity has the incredible power to uplift your mood, something that Elijah experienced during the project. He shared with us the positive impact creativity had on his life and overall wellbeing:

“Creativity is important because if you just do the same thing every day, then it gets boring and you’re not doing anything fun! There’s not a lot of creative things happening, so this made me very happy.” 

Mikayla echoed this sentiment, highlighting the importance of being able to create in a relaxed environment: 

“I have done creative things, but this is different because it’s more fun and not strict. You can use your own imagination.” 

As a staff member at Salusbury World, Dan has been able to see the positive impact of the Create projects across a number of years: 

“These projects are always rewarding and productive, and the children are acquiring skills. We’ve been doing Create workshops for at least seven years; they always get good sign-up and retention!”

building community by creating together 

Making art in a group setting is a powerful way to break down barriers and form connections and friendships with others. Staff member Dan experienced this first hand: 

Some of them who didn’t know each other have formed beautiful friendships over the course of the workshops.

dan, staff member at salusbury world

At Create, we see the impact of creativity on people’s lives every day. People often arrive at our projects on their own and leave with new friendships, having found common ground with others – whether as carers, young people facing similar challenges, or older adults who understand the isolation that can come in later life. Through shared creative experiences, projects become open spaces for connection, dialogue and lived experience. Participants leave not only with something they’ve made, but with a renewed sense of confidence, belonging and hope.

Thank you to John Lyon’s Charity for funding community:matters. 

*Names changed to protect anonymity 

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our:stories – bringing reading to life through art and movement 

Posted on January 31, 2026 by - Stories, Blogs

our:stories – bringing reading to life through art and movement 

SEND children explore stories through dance on an our:stories project.

As the National Year of Reading invites us to reimagine how children engage with books, our:stories shows us what’s possible when reading and writing for pleasure are explored beyond the page. Across our recent our:stories projects at The Avenue School in Brent and The Livity School in Lambeth, pupils with SEND explored stories through visual art, dance and movement. This supported their literacy, wellbeing and confidence in ways that traditional classroom approaches alone often can’t.

our:stories is Create’s programme for SEND pupils across London, using the arts to support reading and writing for pleasure and to help children develop their identities as readers and storytellers. 

A Create artist shows SEND children a story book with pictures, to explore stories through dance on an our:stories project.

ENGAGING WITH STORIES THROUGH VISUAL ART 

Over six sessions between November and December 2025, Create artist Chloe Cooper worked with pupils at The Avenue School, using visual art to explore The Boy Who Loved Broccoli. For Marzena, a teacher and literacy lead at the school, the project offered something distinct from everyday classroom literacy: 

“The different types of stimuli were great for pupils to have the sensation of the story. We could see lots of enjoyment in the sessions.” 

Using colourful tape, paint pens and model-making, pupils acted out and reimagined the story, making connections between the written word and real-world experiences. The pace of the sessions allowed the pupils to have space to make choices, follow their curiosity and express their opinions: 

A SEND student explores reading through visual art. They sit at a table with paintbrushes and painting on top.

“[These sessions] bring a different perspective from what we are doing in class. They move at a slower pace and allow pupils to be creative and messy. Pupils can make their own choices and have their opinions. If they wanted different materials, they were offered [them], so that was great.” 

They could express themselves, so the creative arts were boosting their wellbeing.

Marzena, teacher & literacy lead at the avenue school

EXPLORING STORYTELLING THROUGH DANCE AT THE LIVITY SCHOOL 

At the Livity School in Lambeth, Create dancer Paul Smethurst led six days of dance and movement workshops, supporting students to interpret stories physically, rather than verbally. Teacher Adam reflected on how movement presented new ways for pupils to engage with reading and comprehension: 

“They’ve been reading different books, interpreting them and exploring them through dance and movement.” 

“It’s very individually tailored. Paul has been really good at getting them all involved“

I think when the kids see somebody else with that sort of enthusiasm, they really take to it.

adam, teacher at the livity school

For pupils who are confident with literal answers but find abstract thinking more difficult, dance offered a route into self-expression: 

“There are many in the class who are very good at reading or answering a black-and-white question, but actually to express their own ideas is something they need a lot of encouragement to do.” 

Through movement, the students explored how characters feel, what stories suggest “between the lines”, and how different people interpret the same text in different ways – all core skills for reading comprehension and communication: 

SEND students explore reading and stories through dance. They hold ribbons and dance in a room.

“There are definitely things from the project that we’ll keep going and implement in communication sessions. From here on, there’ll be a lot of work on “how do you see this” or “how does this make you feel?” That’s the sort of communication they need to have. They need to be able to say it themselves but also understand what their peers are saying as well.” 

WHY READING FOR PLEASURE NEEDS INCLUSIVE APPROACHES 

Nationally, reading for pleasure is in decline. Recent research shows that less than a third of children say they enjoy reading, with pupils with SEND significantly less likely to engage with books independently or see themselves as “readers”. 

For many SEND pupils, traditional literacy approaches can feel inaccessible, particularly when reading is presented as a task rather than an experience. our:stories responds to this challenge by placing creativity, choice and wellbeing at the heart of reading and experiencing stories. 

A SEND student on our:stories exploring stories through visual art. The artist holds carboard cutout shoes on string, like puppets. The student is smiling.

By exploring stories through art and movement, pupils are supported to: 

  • Engage with books in ways that suit their communication styles 
  • Build emotional understanding and imagination 
  • Develop confidence as readers and storytellers 
  • Experience reading as pleasurable, social and meaningful 

As the National Year of Reading encourages schools and communities to widen access to books, our:stories demonstrates that reading should be accessible, creatively led and most importantly, for everyone. 

our:stories is funded by St Paul’s Schools Foundation [via The Mercers’ Company]. 

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HOW OUR:STORIES IS REIMAGINING READING FOR PLEASURE – AND WHY IT MATTERS NOW MORE THAN EVER 

Posted on January 31, 2026 by - Stories, Blogs

HOW OUR:STORIES IS REIMAGINING READING FOR PLEASURE – AND WHY IT MATTERS NOW MORE THAN EVER 

Artwork from our:voices project where SEND children engage with reading in new and accessible ways.

This year marks the National Year of Reading, the biggest campaign in a generation designed to help more people (re)discover the joy of reading and make it part of their everyday lives.  

The initiative presents a time to reflect on how and why children read, and who is being left out of the story. Reading can open new worlds but for many children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), those worlds remain out of reach.  

While much of the national conversation around literacy focuses on attainment and school results, there is growing recognition that how children engage with reading is just as important as whether they can do it. Reading for pleasure – or volitional reading – supports wellbeing, identity and long-term motivation. But for many SEND children, access to those experiences is still lacking. 

That’s where Create’s new programme, our:stories, comes in. Designed for children with SEND, our:stories brings our professional artists into SEND schools, enabling children to explore storytelling through creativity and play, and with a sense of agency.  

But why is this work important? To find out, we spoke to Dr Helen Hendry, a Senior Lecturer in education at Open University (OU) who is part of the ‘learning partner’ team working with of the Mercers’ Company Literacy and Oracy Special Initiative, about the broader state of research around reading for pleasure – and why programmes like ours are more important than ever. 

SEND young person with Create artist, playing a keyboard in a school setting, exploring reading and stories through music.

The decline in reading for enjoyment 

Despite the wealth of research showing the benefits of reading for pleasure – including improved vocabulary, empathy and cognitive development – recent statistics show a sharp national decline in engagement: 

  • In 2025, only 32.7% of children and young people aged 8-18 said they enjoy reading in their free time, the lowest level recorded by National Literacy Trust. 
  • Fewer than one in five (just 18.7%) read daily for pleasure. 
  • Since this data began being collected in 2005, reading enjoyment has dropped by 36%. 

“There isn’t much research on volitional reading and writing for children with SEND: not about the skills, but about wanting to read for pleasure,” Helen commented.  

A lot of the research available doesn’t give us the tools to work with children with special needs.

HELEN HENDRY

Helen explained that while there is a strong international research base indicating the many benefits of reading for pleasure – including improving vocabulary and cognitive development – few studies explore how this applies in specialist settings. 

Introducing our:stories 

Developed by Create in response to the gaps in both access and research, our:stories is a high-quality, inclusive creative programme that uses visual art, drama, dance and other artforms to explore texts and books as tools for engagement and wellbeing, not just literacy attainment. 

Artwork from our:voices project where SEND children engage with reading in new and accessible ways.

It has been specifically designed for children with SEND, who are often overlooked in traditional reading initiatives. Each projects is led by one of our professional artists and co-designed with schools. Texts are chosen collaboratively and explored creatively, allowing children to connect with stories in ways that feel accessible, meaningful and fun. 

Workshops are multi-sensory and participant-led, helping children to develop social skills, oracy, creative expression and self-esteem. Teachers attend alongside their students, gaining new tools to support literacy in the classroom long after the project ends. 

A novel approach that fills a gap 

Helen’s current research focuses on reading and writing for pleasure across a range of organisations. With funding from The Mercers’ Company, she has been analysing how different charities approach reading and writing for pleasure; and says Create’s model is distinct: 

In the research I’ve read, and undertaken, I haven’t seen any other projects that combine creatives, children with SEND and reading and writing for pleasure in this way.

HELEN HENDRY

Helen also emphasised the importance of working in a way that is responsive and flexible: 

“It’s important for those working with children to understand what research tells us about practices that support them to want to read and write, and to implement these based on the needs of the children or young people. There are a lot of nuances.” 

why it matters now 

As the National Year of Reading gathers momentum, our:stories shows how creative approaches can foster a love of stories and storytelling, particularly among children who face additional barriers. Children with SEND are more likely to experience exclusion from traditional classroom environments, where there is often limited space for agency, play and creative exploration. our:stories responds directly to this gap, creating workshops that are shaped by children’s interests and communication styles, and allowing reading and writing to be experienced as something joyful, expressive and collaborative.  

Artwork from our:voices project where SEND children engage with reading in new and accessible ways.

Reflecting on her observations of our:stories, Helen explained: 

“In our:stories, really listening to what children are communicating can be watching how they respond. The facilitator artist flexed the session to flow with what the children were interested in, giving them agency and choice over what was happening. This isn’t something that can always happen in traditional school activities, due to curriculums and wider targets.” 

This responsiveness sits at the heart of our:stories. By prioritising enjoyment and creative interpretation, the programme offers SEND children the opportunity to build confidence, develop a positive relationship with reading and writing, and see themselves as storytellers. 

our:stories is funded by St Paul’s Schools Foundation [via The Mercers’ Company]. 

With thanks to Helen Hendry for offering her expertise and insights. 

You can read more about The Open University’s previous reading and writing for pleasure research for The Mercer’s Company here. 

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JOY, BELONGING AND A BREAK FROM RESPONSIBILITY: WHAT CREATIVITY MEANS FOR YOUNG PEOPLE 

Posted on December 17, 2025 by - Stories, Blogs

JOY, BELONGING AND A BREAK FROM RESPONSIBILITY: WHAT CREATIVITY MEANS FOR YOUNG PEOPLE 

Young people with disabilities taking part in a dance workshop as part of our community:matters programme. They are holding red and orange fabric in the air.

For many young people, the festive period isn’t just sparkle and celebration. Children in care, disabled young people and young carers often face additional pressures, from feelings of isolation to daily responsibilities far beyond their years.

At a time of year that celebrates family and joy, it can be easy to forget that not all children get the chance simply to be children. That’s why creative opportunities matter – not just at Christmas, but all year round.  

Thanks to our supporters, we’re able to deliver high-quality creative programmes that offer marginalised children the freedom to explore, express and connect. In 2025, our programmes have supported nearly 1,000 children across the UK. Below, three participants reflect on what that experience has meant to them. 

Feathers and fabric layered aroud flowers in the grass.

Confidence and connection for care-experienced young people 

Emily* (16) took part in music workshops in Bolton through our:voices, a Create programme with children in care and care leavers. Working with our professional musician Matt Dunn, the group composed original music, played covers and built confidence together: 

“I feel great. A lot more confident. Everyone’s very kind and we work well together. The project is really refreshing and it gets you out of the house. I feel brighter. [Being creative] is important because it really lets you open up as a person and you can become more positive.” 

Having been in care for eight years, Emily shared how the project gave her a chance to connect with others who understand: 

“Sometimes when you’re in care you can struggle to make friends because you can feel a bit down.” 

“But [in projects like these] you meet other people” in your situation and you have a fun time with them.”

EMILY, OUR:VOICES participant

CREATIVE FREEDOM FOR YOUNG CARERS 

Evelyn* (13) cares for her younger sister who has autism, a constant responsibility that leaves limited time for herself. Over three days in April 2025, our musician Filipe Sousa delivered inspired:arts music workshops with young carers at Bromley Well Young Carers Centre. Through the project, Evelyn had the chance to step away from those responsibilities and focus on creativity:

“We’ve made lots of songs and discovered different ways to make them. I’ve liked playing guitar and bass because they’re [my favourites] and working in a group to create an actual piece has been really enjoyable. 

Young carers playing guitars and ukuleles as part of an inspired:arts music workshop.

Evelyn also reflected on the difficulties of being a young carer: 

“Sometimes I have to be really careful what I say around [my sister] and I have to help her if she has a meltdown, especially if we’re not with our parents. I have to keep an extra eye out for her, especially because she’s younger than me. I always have her on my mind thinking, ‘is she okay?’ 

“Lots of young carers may not get the opportunity to do stuff like this.” 

“These projects give them a chance to have something to focus on and they don’t have to worry about who they care for.”

EVELYN, INSPIRED:aRTS PARTICIPANT

Exploring expression for disabled young people 

Jay* (25) took part in our community:matters programme at Brent Mencap, which supports disabled young people through inclusive, participant-led creative workshops. The programme empowers participants to build social and communication skills in safe, joyful environments. 

Young people with disabilities taking part in a dance workshop as part of our community:matters programme.

During the project, Jay joined a three-day dance and visual storytelling workshop led by our professional dancer, Paul Smethhurst: 

“We did the tent dance. And then we did some drawing [of our own islands]. I drew the beach. [I was] making textures and going to new places.” 

For Jay, the opportunity to be part of a creative team helped build connection and confidence: 

It made me feel happy and excited.

jay, community:matters PARTICIPANT

“It warmed up the body and made me feel full of energy. I enjoyed working in a team and meeting new people and seeing old friends. It makes me feel welcome.” 

Why it matters – and how you can help 

Creative arts offer young people the chance to express themselves, explore new ideas and build community. For those facing additional challenges – such as the responsibility of being a carer, the instability of the care system, or the exclusion that can come with disability – these opportunities can be life-changing. 

This Christmas, you can help bring joy, confidence and connection to those who need it most. 

Give the gift of creativity – not just for the holidays, but all year round. 

Donate now to our Christmas campaign.  

Thank you to John Lyon’s Charity and The National Lottery Community Fund for funding these projects. 

*Names changed to protect anonymity. 

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GIVING THE GIFT OF CREATIVITY: SUPPORTING ADULT CARERS AND ISOLATED OLDER ADULTS This CHRISTMAS

Posted on December 16, 2025 by - Stories, Blogs

GIVING THE GIFT OF CREATIVITY: SUPPORTING ADULT CARERS AND ISOLATED OLDER ADULTS This CHRISTMAS

Older adults taking part in a creative writing art:links project.

For many people, Christmas is a time of connection, joy and celebration. But for adult carers and isolated older people, the festive season can be a stark reminder of the challenges they face every day. 

At Create, we believe in the power of the creative arts to build confidence, ease isolation and provide moments of light in difficult times. Through our creative:voices and art:links programmes, we’re working year-round to bring creativity and connection to those who need it most. 

We spoke to Jenn (78), an adult carer who took part in creative:voices, and Myrium (60+), an art:links participant, about the impact these projects had on them. 

This Christmas, your support can help us reach even more people like Jenn and Myrium, giving them the gift of creativity – and a chance to feel seen, valued and heard. 

Rediscovering Confidence and Joy Through Writing 

Jenn, 78, recently took part in creative:voices, our national programme with adult carers. She attended a six-week creative writing project with Greenwich Carers, led by our professional writer Henry Maddicott. Living with chronic health conditions and caring for others, Jenn described how the years of responsibility had dimmed the spark of her creativity: 

“Being a carer, you lose yourself. A greater part of you isn’t there anymore.”  

Older adults taking part in a creative writing art:links project.

Despite initial hesitation, Jenn found herself enjoying the freedom and lightness of creative writing: 

“I wouldn’t have necessarily chosen creative writing for myself, but I thought I’d dip my toes in the water. I came along and found the experience very freeing and non-judgmental. All of my [previous] writing has been under exam rules and bit solemn. This was lighter and the pace of the facilitation was brilliant. 

“Some of my mischief is coming back!” 

Jenn , CREATIVE:VOICES participant

New beginnings, new connections 

In Havering, Myrium* joined art:links, our creative programme for isolated older adults, for a creative writing project led by our writer Justin Coe. After recently relocating and feeling unsure about how to connect with others in a new area, the project was a space for Myrium to feel like part of a community: 

“I’m new to living in Havering and I heard about Di’s Diamonds. I’ve only just joined, and I’ve not been on a creative writing course before, so this was something brand new to me. We were put at ease, and it could all be seen as fun, with no judgement. 

“[The project] has felt very caring and nurturing. It has been a great opportunity to meet new people.” 

Myrium, ART:LINKS PARTICIPANT

For Myrium, the workshops became more than a creative outlet: they were a space for empathy, healing and laughter. Each session offered a gentle invitation to share, reflect and be present. 

“[Being creative] has felt like something that was missing for me in my life. Once I got to a certain age, I thought “maybe it’s too late [to be creative]”. But it’s great to get out there and encourage people who think they can’t do it. 

“Slowing down and saying ‘I’m just going to give my interpretation’ [through writing] has been good. Acceptance is important for mental health. Different exercises brought up different things for people. It could be quite emotional, but I felt that Justin was looking out for us. It’s given me the freedom just to go with myself and what I feel, what’s coming up at that time. “ 

Adult carers taking part in a creative:voices creative writing project.

“I want to reassure anyone who thinks they can’t do it: allow yourself to [do it] and you will feel encouraged and safe.” 

” I think we will be good friends.”

MOLLY, INSPIRED:ARTS PARTICIPANT

The reality of Christmas for many 

While many people look forward to festive joy, Christmas can be one of the most difficult times of year for carers and isolated older adults. One in 10 people in England are unpaid carers, many of whom don’t get time off over the holidays: 77% of carers say they feel more isolated during the festive season. Meanwhile, nearly one million older people in the UK often feel lonely and 670,000 won’t speak to or see anyone on Christmas Day. 

For people facing these realities, the connections and confidence our projects create can have a lasting impact. For isolated older adults and unpaid carers like Jenn and Myrium, discovering a creative outlet can be transformative, opening up new passions, friendships and communities that continue beyond the project. 

For those who may face isolation, exhaustion or grief during the festive season, having people to turn to and creative practices to lean on can make all the difference. 

Work created by adult carers in a creative writing creative:voices project.

This Christmas, you can help bring joy, confidence and connection to those who need it most. 

Give the gift of creativity – not just for the holidays, but all year round. 

Donate now to our Christmas campaign.  

Thank you to City Bridge Foundation, the Johnston Nijman Foundation and White Stuff for funding these projects. 

*Names changed to protect anonymity. 

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Meet Molly and Hannah – Young carers from Bolton  

Posted on December 9, 2025 by - Stories, Blogs

Meet Molly and Hannah – Young carers from Bolton  

Young carers on a visual arts workshop, trying out photography, in a green park.

Every day across the UK, thousands of young carers like Molly and Hannah take on extraordinary responsibilities. They help their siblings manage medications, cook meals when their parents are at work, navigate challenging behaviour and often put other’s needs before their own to support a loved one. Many are as young as five. Most juggle school, home life and caregiving with little time or space to simply be children. 

That’s where inspired:arts comes in. inspired:arts is our multi-artform programme for young carers, providing free, high-quality creative workshops that offer them respite, joy and the chance to connect with others who understand their experience. 

Over three days in August 2025, Create artist Laura-Kate Pontefract delivered visual art workshops with young carers at the Bolton Lads and Girls Club.   

We spoke to sisters Molly* (nine) and Hannah* (12) – both young carers – about their time on the project. 

A creative space just for them 

Photographs by young carers laid out on a table.

Both Molly and Hannah care for their older sister, who has autism and ADHD: 

“When our mum’s at work, I take care of both [my sisters], even though I’m the middle child.”, shared Hannah. 

“We can’t do everything that a normal family should. When we go out, there’s always an argument or one of us ends up getting hurt because she gets angry at [us].” 

For Hannah, the project was more than just a break from routine – it was a space for her to explore her own creativity and open up: 

“[We all] painted together. It’s been fun and you get to use your imagination.” 

“You get to talk to people who understand you.”

HANNAH, inspired:arts participant

Feeling pride through creativity 

Molly found joy in trying new techniques and building confidence through art: 

“Normally I just do colouring, so I feel proud and I’m grateful and surprised that I’ve done this!” 

She also reflected on how the workshops helped to break down barriers with other young carers: 

“This project has made me connect more to people because I’ve shared my kindness and friendship with them.” 

” I think we will be good friends.”

MOLLY, INSPIRED:ARTS PARTICIPANT

Understanding you are not alone 

Reflecting on her experience as a young carer, Hannah spoke about how the project shifted her perspective on her own life: 

Artwork by young carers laid out on a park wall.

“Before my sister got diagnosed, I used to think that I had a mean sister. After coming here, I understand it’s not just my family that’s like this and it’s not always her fault.” 

“It’s helped open my eyes and see I’m not alone in this.”

Hannah, inspired:arts participant

Why this work matters 

Young carers are often isolated, overwhelmed and overlooked. In England, over 800,000 children are estimated to be caring for a family member. Many go unrecognised, missing out on childhood experiences and facing increased risks to their mental health and education, 

We believe they deserve better. 

Through inspired:arts, we aim to give these young people the creative tools, confidence and connections that allow them to thrive. 

Thank you to the Society of the Holy Child Jesus for funding this project. 

*Names changed for anonymity.

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Growing creative confidence – reflections from Create’s Nurturing Talent Programme

Posted on November 30, 2025 by - Stories, Blogs

Growing creative confidence – reflections from Create’s Nurturing Talent Programme

How do you learn to lead creative workshops in complex community settings with older people living with dementia, disabled children, young carers and other groups of vulnerable children and adults? For emerging artists on Create’s Nurturing Talent programme, the answer is: by doing, reflecting and growing.

Each year, Nurturing Talent supports six emerging artists to gain hands-on facilitation experience within high-quality arts workshops across a range of community groups. Over the 12 months, participants shadow our experienced professional artists, attend expert-led training sessions and develop the skills they need to co-create inclusive, empowering creative workshops with confidence.

We spoke to Caroline (textiles) and Zhaolin (puppetry and drama), from the 2025/26 cohort, who shared what they’ve learned – and how they’ve grown so far.

Building confidence with new communities

For Caroline, one of the most valuable parts of the programme has been working with participant groups that she hadn’t encountered before and learning to adapt with confidence:

“It gave me the opportunity to grow my confidence in working with different groups.”

Caroline – nurturing talent

“I’ve learnt to trust myself a bit more, that I can handle things that get thrown at [me] in a workshop setting. You never really know what’s going to happen!”

It isn’t just about responding in the moment – Caroline is appreciating seeing how our artists carefully reflect and evolve their plans to meet participants’ needs:

“It’s been really impressive to see how the artists develop their plans and reflect after each stage, to make sure it follows the participants’ interests and allows them the space to create as much as possible.”

Nurturing Talent cohort 25/26 taking part in a training day.

Planning with purpose

Zhaolin came to the programme with experience in delivering linear workshops – but through the programme has been introduced to a new approach to developing a project:

“I always saw my workshops like a storyline: we go here, then there. But working with Create’s artists [has] shown me a different way — more like creating different spots on a map, and letting participants draw the lines between them.”

“It’s a whole new way of thinking.”

Zhaolin – nurturing talent

This shift has led to a deeper awareness of creative decision-making and how to centre the participants’ experience in every moment:

“Now I’m thinking about the aims of each step. What’s the outcome? What happens if there’s a different energy in the room? How will my response impact the participants?”

Learning by doing

Both artists have reflected on the nerves of a first session, and how observing and supporting our professional artists has helped them to build their facilitation toolkit.

“There’s always that moment where I feel quite nervous,” said Caroline, “when participants first arrive and don’t know each other. But I’ve learnt so much from seeing how artists create warm, welcoming spaces and build trust.”

Caroline shared: “It’s been such a rewarding experience — not just creatively, but personally too.”

Zhaolin agreed that putting participants first, and designing workshops with space for improvisation, has been one of the programme’s biggest takeaways:

I really enjoy thinking about how to put the participant experience as the priority. That mindset, combined with flexibility, makes a huge difference.

Zhaolin – Nurturing talent

A Platform for progress

The Nurturing Talent programme offers both training and workshop experience, and a springboard for future opportunities. Many past participants have developed the skills and confidence to join our professional artist pool and lead projects themselves.

With a bursary, mentoring and practical development sessions – including safeguarding, and trauma informed practice – the programme is structured to support the participants to build confidence, leadership and facilitation skills across artforms and communities.

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Meet Lucianne, Nurturing Talent 2025/26

Posted on November 30, 2025 by - Stories, Blogs

Meet LUCIANNe, nurturing talent 2025/26

Lucianne on the Nurturing Talent programme.

Nurturing Talent is Create’s 12-month. part-time professional development programme for emerging artists. Now in its 10th year, the scheme was developed in consultation with our artists. In 2025/26, it is upskilling six emerging artists from a range of disciplines, providing them with training and experience to develop their creative workshop facilitation in diverse and challenging settings. Ultimately, it aims to upskill them to deliver high quality creative workshops with those who need these most.

We spoke with Lucianne,  Warrington/Manchester based multidisciplinary textile artist. She shared with us how the programme is influencing her facilitation and artistic skills.

JOINING NURTURING TALENT

After graduating, Lucianne dived straight into freelance facilitation. But Nurturing Talent offered something new: the chance to grow her practice alongside experienced artists in more complex community settings:

“Since I graduated, I went straight into freelance workshop facilitation, mainly around sustainable textiles – mending, weaving with scrap fabrics, darning and collaborative banners and patchworks.

[Nurturing Talent has] been absolutely lovely. Every artist that I’ve worked with so far has been really supportive, friendly and approachable. There’s never been a situation I’ve been in where I felt uncomfortable or that I didn’t know what was going on.”

LEARNING FROM NURTURING TALENT

Nurturing Talent provides emerging artists with a rare opportunity: to gain hands-on workshop facilitation experience with diverse groups of participants, while being mentored and supported. For Lucianne, this has meant expanding both her creative toolkit and her confidence:

“I’ve learned so much doing this already.”

Lucianne – nurturing talent

“For example, I had never thought about the concept of warm-up activities [in workshops]. Since being here and doing these training [days], I’ve realised how valuable [these] are and I’ve started incorporating that into my own practice.

“I also didn’t realise the extent to which you have to be adaptable and flexible, and how that varies between different groups. That’s a learning curve.

Lucianna also shared how the programme has deepened her belief in the value of creativity – not just for others, but also for herself.

“You really have to believe in your artform, and believe that it is something that is beneficial to other people. A big part of that is you experiencing the benefit of it, and I’ve had first-hand experience of [my practice] as an expressive outlet for wellbeing.

“That’s why I am very passionate about sharing that with other people. ”

“Patience is [important] as well, approaching things holistically and compassionately.”

Lucianne – nurturing talent

THE IMPORTANCE OF CREATIVITY

Lucianna shares our belief here at Create that creativity shouldn’t be a luxury:

“People need to create because it’s essential to being human. There are so many things you can do on your laptop, but that’s [not the same as] really creating something. When you go into a museum, you’re looking at things, whether it’s cave art or pots, that have been created, and that’s something that we can’t afford to lose.”

Lucianne on the Nurturing Talent programme.

SUPPORTING THE NEXT GENERATION

Since its launch in 2015, Nurturing Talent has supported almost 60 emerging professional artists to build the skills, confidence and adaptability needed to lead workshops in diverse communities. Many graduates from the programme have gone on to join our artist pool and to develop their own socially engaged practices across the UK.

As Lucianne’s journey shows, the programme is about more than just professional development – it’s about building compassionate, confident artists who are ready to share their creativity with the people who need it most.

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Londoners celebrate reveal of their artistic creations on smart x Create ‘art car’  

Posted on November 24, 2025 by - News

Londoners celebrate reveal of their artistic creations on smart x Create ‘art car’  

Adult carers from creative:voices standing with the smart X Create car

On Friday 21 November, three groups of participants across London, who took part in a national creative programme run by the charity Create, celebrated the artwork they created for a car by global automotive brand smart. 

Adult carers in the City of London, young carers in Enfield, and mainstream and special needs primary school children in Lewisham came together in these three locations, joined by local council representatives, to see their own art displayed on an electric car made by the manufacturer. The artwork was created in workshops run by Create, a national charity empowering lives through the creative arts. 

Earlier this year, the participants took part in a first-of-its kind project, creating artwork to be displayed on smart’s cars. A series of workshops, led by Create’s visual artists on the theme Open Your Mind, encouraged participants to express themselves freely while building skills, connections, and confidence.  Each individual piece was carefully curated into a vibrant, large-scale collage, which was transformed into a bespoke vehicle wrap that now adorns award-winning smart #1 and #3 electric vehicles. The resulting ‘art cars’ are a bold celebration of collective creativity and the positive impact of the arts. 

On 21 November, each group of participants saw for the first time one of the cars that their artwork helped to decorate, during a big reveal, while celebrating their achievements. In Lewisham, Councillor Jacq Paschoud attended in her role as Civic Mayor and Speaker of the Council, together with Deputy Young mayor Jimaine Lee and Morgan Seward, the Chair of the Champions of Inclusion group. 

Nicky Goulder MBE, Founding Chief Executive of Create, said: “This celebration is a wonderful showcase of the power of creativity. The artistic output of people taking part in Create’s creative workshops is the engine of the whole project, and the passion that fuelled their creations is evident in the brilliant artwork covering smart’s ‘art cars’.”

The unveiling of the car to the participants for the first time is a celebration both of their individual talents and how creativity can bring people together. 

NICKY GOULDER, CREATE CEO

Jason Allbutt, CEO, smart UK, said: “Create’s incredible charity work aligns perfectly with smart’s ‘Open Your Mind’ ethos, aiming to help people to live their lives to the fullest through the power of positivity, creativity and inclusion. We have been delighted with the reception which the #1 and #3 art cars have received to date, and can’t wait for the participants themselves to see the results in person.” 

A 10-year-old participant from Forster Park Primary School in Lewisham spoke about their experience on the project: 

Working with people and creating things felt good. Creativity is important because you can learn new skills. You might make new friends and learnt about what people do. 

creative:connection participant

An 85-year-old participant from Imago Community, a Carers Support Service in the City of London, said: “I enjoyed the experience of screen printing and the happy moment of it, the success. This project has been very inspiring. I can’t imagine life without creativity. Creativity, music, having friends – it forms a package for your reason to be alive.”